Jim Jordan’s rapid rise has been cheered by Trump and the far right. Could it soon make him speaker?

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The meteoric ascent of Rep. Jim Jordan has garnered the approval of former President Donald Trump and the far-right wing of the Republican Party. It has also raised questions about whether he could become the Speaker of the House.

Known for his combative political style, Jordan has been described as someone who excels at dismantling established norms, a reputation that even led former House Speaker John Boehner to remark that he had never encountered someone more skilled at tearing things apart.

Fast forward almost a decade since Boehner’s departure amid conservative discontent, and it’s Jordan who is vying for the role of Speaker, aiming to unite a House Republican conference that’s grappling with internal strife following the recent removal of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy. However, securing the speaker’s gavel is far from guaranteed for Jordan. To achieve this, he’ll need support from nearly every House Republican, with little room for error in a chamber they only narrowly control.

If Jordan were to succeed, it would solidify the far-right’s influence within the Republican Party and set the stage for renewed conflicts with Democrats over the size and scope of government. However, a Jordan speakership would also come with its own baggage, potentially posing challenges for Republicans as they strive to maintain their House majority in the upcoming election, a task that could hinge on winning support from moderate voters in swing districts.

Critics, including some within his own party, have labeled Jordan as an extremist unfit for the role of Speaker. They point to his active involvement in former President Trump’s efforts to challenge the certification of the 2020 presidential election and his refusal to comply with a congressional subpoena regarding the January 6th Capitol attack. Moreover, Jordan has faced ongoing scrutiny over allegations that he was aware of sexual abuse within the wrestling program at Ohio State University, accusations he vehemently denies.

Former Rep. Liz Cheney, a prominent figure in the January 6th investigation who was removed from GOP leadership by conservatives, has warned that electing Jordan as Speaker could even jeopardize democracy itself.

Jordan defends his confrontational approach as rooted in principle, a message that resonates with conservatives who have long accused GOP leaders of capitulation. Born near Dayton, Ohio, Jordan was a four-time state wrestling champion in high school and a two-time NCAA champion at the University of Wisconsin in the 1980s. His coaching position at Ohio State University preceded his election to the Ohio legislature in the mid-1990s.

His political journey has been marked by clashes with GOP leaders, including former Speaker Boehner, who supported a rival when Jordan sought a state Senate seat in 1999. Jordan ultimately won that race and later entered Congress in 2006. He played a pivotal role in the rise of the House Freedom Caucus, a group of conservative hardliners that pressured Boehner to step down.

However, one of Jordan’s most significant political liabilities stems from his time as a wrestling coach. Allegations emerged in 2018 that a sexually abusive atmosphere existed within Ohio State’s wrestling program during his tenure as an assistant coach. Subsequent investigations revealed widespread misconduct by Dr. Richard Strauss, a faculty member, and medical staff, who sexually assaulted numerous students. Some former wrestlers claimed that Jordan was aware of Strauss’s behavior but took no action. Jordan vehemently denies these allegations, portraying them as politically motivated.

Jordan’s congressional style stands in contrast to many of his peers. He typically appears in a simple blue button-up shirt and gold tie, eschewing the flashy trappings often associated with officeholders. His personal finances have seen only modest improvement during his time in Congress.

Jordan’s influence grew notably during the politically charged years following Trump’s election. He staunchly defended Trump during the investigation into potential Russian collusion in the 2016 election and played a prominent role in the House Intelligence Committee’s proceedings during Trump’s first impeachment. In recent times, he has spearheaded the impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden.

Notably, Jordan’s close ties to Trump became more evident after the 2020 election, as he cast doubt on its outcome while organizing the House Republican response. Documents from investigations suggest his involvement in discussions about pressuring Vice President Mike Pence to overturn the election results and logistics planning for the January 6th events.

In the aftermath of the Capitol attack, Jordan raised the possibility of presidential pardons for members of Congress, though he did not directly request one. A week later, Trump awarded Jordan the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Jim Jordan’s Political Rise

More about Jim Jordan’s Political Rise

• Rep. Jim Jordan – Official Website
• Jim Jordan’s Controversial Role in Trump’s Impeachment
• Allegations Regarding Jim Jordan’s Knowledge of Ohio State Abuse
• Jim Jordan’s Influence and Role in GOP
• Jim Jordan’s Wrestling Background
• Presidential Medal of Freedom Awarded to Jim Jordan